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Every dude’s out here scheming, and she’s the only saint in a world of snakes
A Gorgeous Mess Where Innocence Is A Superpower and Every Man’s a Villain✨ THE GOOD:
Visuals that slap — Cinematography so stunning you might forget you’re stuck in this drama mess.
Lead actress nails it — Playing innocent like it’s an Olympic sport.
Atmosphere on point — Cold, bleak, and perfectly matching the mood of endless betrayal.
🤦♂️ THE “SERIOUSLY, EVERY MAN?” MOMENTS:
Plot = male conspiracy factory — Every guy’s trying to ruin her life like it’s a hobby.
Innocent goddess syndrome — She’s flawless, pure, and somehow the only one not shady in the entire cast.
Story takes a backseat — It’s all about her suffering and their villainy; where’s the nuance?
❄️ THE “CAN’T LOOK AWAY” FACTOR:
It’s exhausting but addictive—like watching a slow-motion car crash with pretty costumes.
The drama is so extra, you’ll laugh, cry, and rage all at once.
🎯 VERDICT:
"Like a winter fairytale where the ice queen is the only decent person, and everyone else lost the plot."
Watch if: You enjoy epic melodrama, innocent heroines, and men behaving badly.
Skip if: You want balanced characters or a plot that doesn’t revolve around endless betrayal.
Best paired with: 🍷 Something strong to sip while you shout at the screen.
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SANG YAN AND YIFAN IS TOO GOOD TO BE MISSED
One thing i can say this drama truly masterpiece. really like the story between sang yan and yifan and how yifan is soo lucky to has sang yan with her. She maybe feel she not worthy to get love but she deserve it. i crying along with yifan and ruonan so gorgeous especially when she crying. Never though she can act very well and yifan is just for her. She lived up yifan very well.BJT as Sang yan is truly amazing and how he pull off the role very well. BJT should act for more modern drama, he suited this kingd of drama.
OST for this drama soo good. I usually did not really enjoying chinese drama OST but this one not. It soo nice to hear.
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A Slow Burn That Pays Off
When this drama first came out, I discovered Hidden Love and decided to watch them in order of release since they’re set in the same universe. I absolutely adored Hidden Love, which made me really excited to watch The First Frost. No one warned me, though, that it would be such a different kind of drama.Before starting The First Frost, it’s important to understand how much perspective shapes the story. In Hidden Love, we see Sang Yan through Sang Zhi’s eyes—her annoying, "ugly" older brother who’s always teasing her. The tone is playful and lighthearted because it reflects her youthful point of view. In contrast, The First Frost is told from Wen Yifan’s perspective, which gives us a completely different view of Sang Yan. From her side, he comes across as more distant, quiet, and emotionally guarded. But as the story unfolds, we begin to see his soft side and the quiet ways he cares for her. It’s not that Sang Yan has changed; it’s that we’re finally seeing the parts of him that were hidden in Hidden Love.
I went into The First Frost expecting the same cute, heartwarming vibe as Hidden Love and When I Fly Towards You, especially since all three dramas are based on novels by the same author. But this one carried a lot more emotional depth and complexity.
At first, I honestly wasn’t enjoying it and even thought about dropping it around episode 6. But I’m really glad I didn’t. While the pacing felt slow and the story dragged at times, everything eventually came full circle. In the end, it was unexpectedly satisfying and meaningful, even if not everything made perfect sense.
One of the most rewarding parts of the drama is watching the characters grow. Both Wen Yifan and Sang Yan face personal struggles and insecurities, but over time, they learn to open up and trust each other. Their growth feels genuine, showing how love and understanding can help heal past wounds. Even the side characters have their own arcs, which adds layers to the story and makes the world feel more real.
(Be warned—this drama may make you cry.)
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Some boring parts but still worth it.
Yes, you read that right. Some parts actually bored me and I wanted to skip it but I’m glad I stayed for the main couple.Honestly, I think the story of the grandfather didn’t add to the beauty of this drama and I wish they just cut it. It was okay at first but after a while, I found myself thinking I wouldn’t mind lesser episodes if they just focused on the main couple. Also, even though I like Zhang Miao Yi, I felt like she didn’t have chemistry with Su Haoan so I wasn’t invested in their story. An example of a great second couple would be from When I Fly Towards You and they just couldn’t compare.
Anyway, with that being said, the story for the main couple is amazing. I really like how they handled Wen Yifan’s trauma and I’m so glad the scenes weren’t too graphic and triggering. It’s just my personal preference. I also think Bai Jingting and Zhang Ruonan are such good actors and they really brought their characters to life.
I loved Victor Ma in Hidden Love and at first I had a hard time disconnecting him from this drama but I’m so so glad they had BJT as Sang Yan for this because he crushed his role. He gained a new fan in me and I will look out for his upcoming dramas. He was also hoooot during the action scenes and when he shouted at Uncle Che when he went to Overtime. That was very specific, I’m sorry. Haha. He is also good at the sad scenes too and he has the saddest puppy eyes I’ve ever seen, you can’t help but feel sorry for him. Actually, he and Zhang Ruonan both.
Also, I can’t help but mention that the proposal scene was soooo good. Like the way BJT and ZR cried during that scene, you can really feel the love, it felt soooo real hahaha.
Excuse my messy thoughts and long review. I just had a lot to say about this. Haha.
Edit: Updated my rating because I believe this drama deserves more. I can’t move on. Haha.
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This review may contain spoilers
When I started watching this series, I was convinced it would be good. I wasn’t wrong — it was fucking amazing and addictive. But I also thought it would be very sweet and “calm,” considering the author’s other works. Turns out, not quite. The series tackles heavy topics that are definitely not for everyone, but they’re handled extremely well — there’s really nothing to nitpick here.Let’s start with the positives, namely the male lead — Sang Yan. I already loved him in Hidden Love, and here my love only grew stronger. A wonderful man and a massive green flag. I wish every good person could meet someone like him in their life. His unconditional love and immense support for the female lead were beautiful to watch — and at the same time heartbreaking. For two reasons. First, the positive one: he was the only person (aside from her dad) who was always there for her and truly showed her genuine love. Second, the negative one: he suffered a lot because of that love — and he absolutely did not deserve it. Honestly, neither of them did. They both truly fell in love back in high school, and their feelings remained strong even after their paths split. Their reunion showed that clearly, as the emotions slowly resurfaced. This wasn’t just about obvious on-screen chemistry (though it was definitely there, and the kisses were H O T), but about a deep, emotional bond. They were the most important people in each other’s lives, and both wanted what was best for the other.
That led to one moment where I was completely torn: Wen Yi Fan’s second escape to Hong Kong. At that point, two wolves were fighting inside me. One wanted to tear her apart for hurting Sang Yan yet again — a man who was nothing but wonderful to her. That wolf wished them both happiness apart, just so they could finally stop suffering. But the other wolf understood her. She had been through hell — the kind that’s hard to talk about and even harder to forget. She never received the support she deserved, and the people closest to her convinced her it was something shameful and that she should stay silent. Then Che Xing De reappeared in her life. She wanted to protect the male lead by disappearing from his life. That wolf knew that their true happiness existed only with each other — and that they truly shined only together.
As for Wen Yi Fan herself — the female lead — she was a tragic character. The actress played her brilliantly, and I felt her pain in every single episode (I cried in almost all of them). For me, it’s unimaginable how much hell the people closest to you can create in your life — and that was exactly her case. The strongest disgust and resentment I felt was toward her mother, Zhao Yuan Dong. Of course, I’m not defending that piece of trash (Che Xing De), who ended up exactly where he belonged — but it was her mother who allowed this to happen. She could have protected her and didn’t. She didn’t believe her own daughter when she said he tried to take advantage of her. She still wanted her to stay near him, claiming he was a good man. SICK. Years later, she acted like nothing had happened and wanted to fix their relationship (mainly because her new partner left her). I’m glad she didn’t get forgiveness from her daughter, and that the female lead cut her out of her life — she absolutely didn’t deserve to stay in it. Honestly, she deserved even harsher consequences. To make things worse, she let that trash live with her younger daughter, as if she wanted to put another child through the same hell.
Coming back to the female lead — I’m glad she met someone like Sang Yan. She deserved happiness. She was a good person, and her parent gave her the kind of fate no child should ever have. I’m happy that, thanks to him, she slowly started reclaiming happiness in her life. Thanks to him and his family — and we already knew from Hidden Love that his family is wonderful.
Still talking about the main couple — the proposal at the very end was beautiful. That kind of ending is pretty cliché, but here it really worked for me — especially with a small complication added. And one tiny BUT: it was sweet and at the same time slightly terrifying that he followed her around Yihe for six years despite having no contact, simply because he promised her back in high school that he would always be by her side :D
As for any love rivals — we only had admirers for the female lead (which is honestly weird, considering Sang Yan’s looks and personality — how was no one interested in him except me and Wen Yi Fan? :D). Still, both of them were decent guys and not overly annoying.
Now, the secondary couple: Su Hao An and Zhong Si Qiao. In their case, I feel a slight sense of dissatisfaction, though it’s hard for me to fully pinpoint why. Their relationship had huge potential, but somewhere along the way it feels like it wasn’t fully used (though, like I said, I can’t clearly define where it went wrong). What irritated me was that at some point I completely lost track of their dynamic. I thought they were together when they weren’t — or they were together, but she wasn’t sure if he loved her? I honestly got confused myself. On the positive side, both of them had wonderful families. Especially his grandparents — watching them together was a joy. They radiated a kind of happiness and love that had survived many, many years.
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opportunity IS FOR YOU !!!!
irst Frost is a masterclass in the "slow-burn" romance genre, offering a poignant and mature exploration of how first loves can evolve and heal over time. As a sister production to the hit Hidden Love, the drama shifts its focus to the more grounded, bittersweet story of Wen Yifan (Zhang Ruonan) and Sang Yan (Bai Jingting). The series excels by leaning into the tension of their reunion in Nanjiang, where years of unspoken regrets and past traumas initially create a cold barrier between them. Bai Jingting perfectly captures Sang Yan’s signature "tsundere" arrogance hiding a heart that never actually moved on while Zhang Ruonan delivers a nuanced performance as a woman navigating her own vulnerabilities. With its high-quality cinematography and a soundtrack that perfectly mirrors the wintery, melancholic atmosphere, First Frost is a deeply satisfying watch for anyone who believes in second chances and the quiet strength of enduring affection.Honestly, First Frost hits different because it feels like a weighted blanket on a cold night. While Hidden Love was all about that sweet, dizzying first crush, this show is about the quiet ache of a love that never really went away. Sang Yan isn't the "annoying brother" here; he’s a man who has been holding a grudge for years just to hide how much he’s still hurting. The way he looks at Wen Yifan when she’s not looking? It’s devastating. And Wen Yifan is such a relatable lead she’s not a damsel, she’s just someone trying to keep her head above water while dealing with a past that keeps dragging her back. It’s slow, yeah, but every look and every "accidental" run-in feels earned. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to wrap yourself in a scarf and go for a long walk in the rain.Was this review helpful to you?
I’m in love with this story. It was perfect. The story, the characters, the music — everything. Ever since the broadcast was announced, I couldn’t wait for it to air. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to finish it earlier, and avoiding spoilers until now was a real challenge. But hey — what better way to end the year than with a high‑quality, heartwarming series.
For fans of Hidden Love: don’t skip The First Frost. Or the other way around — depending on which one you watch first. For me, there’s no comparison between them; each drama has its own charm, and both are worth watching. While Hidden Love is lighter, funnier, and sweeter, The First Frost is darker, deeper, and more emotional.
One of the things I loved most was the atmosphere — the soft lighting, the muted colors, the quiet moments that say more than words. Even the smallest details in the cinematography felt intentional, adding depth to every scene. The transitions between the past and present were incredibly smooth, with each timeline blending naturally into the next, making the story feel cohesive and alive.
This drama pulled every emotion out of me. I laughed at the sweet, awkward moments between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan. I cried during the heartbreaking scenes, especially when they revealed the past, and most of all during the final proposal — complete emotional meltdown, one of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever seen. I was angry at Wen Yifan’s family, especially her mother. Some people simply don’t deserve to have children. This drama is proof that family isn’t always defined by blood. And I’m more than happy that Wen Yifan managed to break free from all her chains, while Sang Yan was her support the entire time — even when he was in the shadows and she had no idea. This is a story about pain, about the shackles that can hold you for years, and about the person who can become your light and your anchor.
I have a question: where can I get myself a Sang Yan. Seriously — this man is unreal. Everyone needs a Sang Yan in their life. Why do they create men like this in dramas/books — it makes all real men look fake. Bai Jingting portrayed his character phenomenally — attentive, patient, and emotionally intelligent.
Zhang Ruonan as Wen Yifan was exceptional. She managed to portray the pain, loneliness, and strength needed to endure everything her character goes through — alive, fragile, and brave all at once.
The dynamic between Wen Yifan and Sang Yan is sweet, awkward, painful, warm — everything a good romantic drama should be. Their relationship grows in a way that feels natural and earned, full of small moments that slowly build into something powerful.
The second lead couple was also surprisingly well‑developed. None of their scenes felt unnecessary; they had their own charm, chemistry, and emotional depth. They added warmth, humor, and grounding moments that enriched the story and made the world of the drama feel more complete.
The OST fits perfectly with the tone of the drama, enhancing the emotional weight of the scenes. Some tracks linger long after the episode ends, pulling you right back into the story.
This is a beautiful, well‑crafted story about life’s hardships and the light that gives you hope for a better future. The First Frost is a beautiful, well‑told, and emotionally rich drama that stays with you long after the finale. I hope 2026 brings more masterpieces like this one.
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THE GREENEST MALE LEAD EVER
This series was simply amazing. I don't write reviews unless I really love a series, so you can understand if I'm writing one for this. The storyline was great. The actors perfomace was phenomenal. And the best of all was the male lead. The character is the greenest flag out of all the other male leads in any other series. Some people might argue about this, but I'll tell you why he is the best amongst all.No matter how many times the female lead pushed him away, understood her and continued being there for her. He understood that woman without her having to say a single thing. He is the most attentive person a woman can find. The way he admires her with eyes full of love and tears when he sees her doing something she loves. The way he reassures and lets her know that she deserves nothing but the best every single time she thinks she's not worth it all.
There have been many others who have done this, but no one has done it as well as Sang Yan. The lengths he went through and would go through for her🤌. It's how he stayed, even though she pushed him because he knew she had her reasons and would definitely come back one day. He is a man any girl would wish for.
The FL's friendship is also something worth praising. I loved how FL's best friend stayed with her no matter what. And her love story was cute too. It was well developed. All the characters in the series were well-written, and the actors did an incredible job playing them. They justified their roles.
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Beautiful Drama and I Cannot Find Anything Close
I am about to glaze the hell out of this drama, but for good reason. Like any piece of media I have minor nitpicks but other than that this drama is probably the best cdrama ive watched thus far. The chemistry is amazing, the plot is great, and the sexual assault is treated realistically but respectfully and there is no victim blaming from the male lead. The male lead is genuinely perfect like damn can I have a man like Sang Yan. The very few things I dislike about this drama are minor, such as the lack of development of the ML's rivals for the FL'S attention, as well as a kinda boring side couple, but other than that I loved this drama and I want more like it.Was this review helpful to you?
SA survivor and her wholesome lover
So this drama is about an introvert girl who falls in love with an extrovert guy. It's pretty standard romantic story but they are cute together.My problem is that they take wayy too much time to develop some chemistry and the romance is too slow paced for me. The story could have been so much more nuanced but they missed that chance and kind of started running in circles after one point
The FL has past traumas and she is pretty much dealing with it on her own.
The ML desperately wants to be a part of her life and shine some light in her dark world but he is very careful about it because he doesn't want to violate her private space and get her creeped out.
She takes sooo much time to finally open up to her crush but the drama actually makes it worth it.
I have to appreciate the villain for giving me goosebumps and looking menacingly scary and predatory. He made the drama interesting .
I have seen the male lead before and I won't say it's his best work in acting. I have definitely seen better from him. The female lead was alright but I wouldn't call her performance stood out to me.
It's a decent watch for romance loving audience if they have the patience to finish the whole thing.
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This review may contain spoilers
best c drama
story 8.5the story is very realistic and intriguing but of course there are flaws but that's fine and i love the story pace it's slow but it's intriguing and unique in it's own way and I even like there extra clips by the end it is super adorable
acting and casting 8.0
the main lead played by Bai Jing ting is good he is good In acting emotional but it's still far from excellent acting same as the female lead she still lacking in many ways but her acting is not bad and not great but it will do since that's the character she is playing
music 10.0
opening and ending ost is brilliant I don't skip it because it's captivating even the lyrics moved me.
rewatch value 9.0 but I don't repeat series that I already watched only if I forgot to save it here ..
overall rating 9.5
I recommend this series
it is the most realistic series I ever watched
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